Revelation Chapter 10

The Middle of the Tribulation Week

(Parenthetical, Rev. 10:1-10)

This passage (Rev. 10:1-11:13) is the fourth parenthetical passage in the book and explains certain things which are not the contents of the trumpets or vials, but which are fulfilled in conjunction with them, as is clear from the passage itself. Chapter 10:1-11 is a vision of the “mighty angel,” chapter 11:1-2 a vision of the temple and the Holy City, and 11:3-13 a vision of the two witnesses. This fourth parenthetical passage breaks the main vision of the trumpets and is inserted between the sixth and seventh trumpets just as the first parenthetical passage is inserted between the sixth and the seventh seals. This alone is proof that it is parenthetical. As to the fulfillment of the events of this passage that is clear, chapter 10:1-11, like the first part (Rev. 7:1- of the first parenthetical passage, will be fulfilled in the order in which it is given. The last part of this parenthetical passage (Rev. 11:1-13) concerning the two witnesses, will be fulfilled from the middle of the Week onward like the last part of the first parenthetical passage (Rev. 7:9-17), as is clear from both passages. Thus, the parenthetical passages are inserted in their proper places and will be fulfilled in the order as given, except for a few passages, which are always clear as to their time of fulfillment. It is only natural to understand that they are to be fulfilled in the order of events in which they are inserted unless it is stated otherwise.

This mighty angel is no doubt, Christ, who will come down from heaven with the little book open having taken it as the right hand of God the Father in Rev. 5 and having opened the seven seals in Rev. 6:1-8:1. He is now ready to reveal the contents of the things “written within.” The word “another” shows that this angel is not one of the trumpet angels, as is supposed by some. Not only the description of the angel proves him to be Christ, but in 11:13 He speaks of the two witnesses as being “my two witnesses.” Such could not be written of a common angel. About 150 times in the Bible God in mentioned in connection with clouds. In Rev. 10:1; 14:14-16 it is the Son of man who is mentioned with clouds. Never in the Bible are common angels mentioned with clouds. The “rainbow” is never used in the Bible apart from God, so this angel here must be the Son of God. This angel cries “as when a lion roareth” which connects him with “the Lion of the tribe of Juda,” Rev. 5:5. Such passages as Isa. 31:4-5; Jer. 25:29-36; Hos. 11:10-11; Joel 3:16; Amos 3:8 speak of the Lord roaring in wrath as a lion in the Day of the Lord. Then too, Christ is the only person with the same authority exhibited by this angel.

The “little book” which He holds in His hand is the same book sealed with seven seals in Rev. 5. It is not a book of redemption or title deeds to the earth as some believe, but a book of judgment, as seems clear from the following.

1. The effect upon John when he was told to “eat the little book” (a Hebraism for the reception of knowledge) is sufficient proof that the little book contained terrible events to transpire on earth in connection with mankind. The effect upon John was the same as that upon Ezekiel and Jeremiah and further proves that the little book contained part of God's revelation of His judgments upon mankind. Cf. Ezek. 2:3-3:14; Jer. 15:16; 20:7-9; Psm. 119:103. The truth set forth in all these passages is that the reception of the messages from God through the Holy Spirit is always sweet to the taste, but bitter when the contents are noted and given out to the people, especially when they concern bitter woes pronounced to the prophet's own people, Israel. Such is the case with Rev. 6-19 which is concerning Israel and fulfilled in the Seventieth Week of Daniel.
2. Verse 11 is the key to the contents of this little book. This verse does not teach that John will be one of the two witnesses as the words “again” and “before” are sometimes taken to mean. The word “before” should be translated “of” or “concerning.” Literally translated this verse reads, “Thou must prophesy again (yet, further) as to (or concerning) peoples and nations and tongues and kings many.” This is exactly what John did in the rest of the Revelation, even more so than in the first part. We recognize then, that the things “written within” are “concerning many peoples and nations and tongues and kings.” Immediately after John ate the “little book” the angel said, “Thou must prophesy again, which proves that the little book contained matter connected with John's work as a prophet. Therefore, it could not have been a book of redemption or title deeds to the earth. Why would John be prophesying of redemption when that was already accomplished? Why would he be prophesying of title deeds to the earth when no such things were ever mentioned in Scripture? The scenes in this chapter will actually take place between the sixth and seventh trumpets, about the middle of the Week. These scenes do not signify Christ's formal possession of the earth for the vision is not symbolic, with the exception of John's reception of the contents of the little book. The scene of the angel shows that the seals which bind the book have been completed at this time, that the things, “written within” are now ready to be fulfilled, and that the completion of “the mystery of God” under the seventh trumpet will be no longer delayed.

"And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow [was] upon his head, and his face [was] as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire:" (Rev. 10:1).

In this, we must remember that John is seeing in a vision from God. God appears sometimes in visions and dreams in some other way than His Godhead. Being "clothed in a cloud", shows the royalty of this being.
A "rainbow ... upon his head" reminds us of the covenant of God with man. This covenant has been fulfilled through Jesus. Perhaps God included this to remind John, that even in judgment, He will always remember His Noahic Covenant and protect His own.
“Feet as pillars of fire”: This angel’s feet and legs indicate the firm resolve with which he will execute the Day of the Lord.
The cloud, the rainbow, the sun, and the pillars of fire all refer to deity.

"And he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right foot upon the sea, and [his] left [foot] on the earth," (Rev. 10:2).

Jesus is in dominion over everything. He is our source of power. Studying the Bible is more important to our life than our daily bread. Praise God, the Bible is of no private interpretation. God the Holy Spirit will teach each of us what the Bible is saying to us.
The planting of the feet on the sea and the earth (dry land), shows Christ's authority over the earth in its entirety, and the appropriation of His promised inheritance as Messiah.

"And cried with a loud voice, as [when] a lion roareth: and when he had cried, seven thunders uttered their voices" (Rev.10:3).

The lion is the monarch of the jungle, and his roar is an image of terror. The point of the comparison here seems to be the loudness with which the angel cried, and the power of what he said to awe the world, as the roar of the lion keeps the dwellers of the jungle in awe. What he said is not stated; nor did John attempt to record it
“As when a lion roareth; loud and terrible; and indeed, it was the voice of the lion of the tribe of Judah, which was heard far and near, throughout the whole world, by his people, and is terrible to his enemies.
“And when he had cried, seven thunders uttered their voices”: Interpreters judge these seven thunders to signify those judgments of God which should be executed in the world upon the sounding of the seventh trumpet.
This again, is a repetition of the idea contained in the preceding clause. The Jews were accustomed to calling thunder the seven voices, and to regard it as the voice of the Lord (compare the sevenfold "voice of the Lord"; Psalm 29:1-11). In the same way that they regarded lightning as the fire of God (Job 1:16).

"And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not" (Rev. 10:4).

It seems that John was attempting to write down everything as he saw it. This little book is not for the world to see. That is why Jesus spoke in parables. Only the believers in the Lord Jesus Christ are supposed to understand what is in the Book, and then only through the guidance of the Holy Spirit and Bible study. This message then from these voices is not for the world in general. Jesus, or God the Father, stops John from revealing these things by telling him not to write this down.
Thundering voices must come either from God or something very near Him. The voices that sound like seven thunders are a unique feature in the book of Revelation. John is prepared to write down what these thunder like voices say when he hears another voice telling him to "seal up and not write down what he heard".
This is the only proclamation in the entire book of Revelation that is sealed up. As for the seventh angel, the mystery of God should be finished.
Both Daniel and John were instructed to seal up much of what they saw, reserving the interpretation for the generation to whom it would be obvious: "I was about to write; and I heard a voice from heaven saying, "seal up the things which the seven peals of thunder have spoken, and do not write them." And then,"But as for you, Daniel, conceal these words and seal up the book until the end of time; many will go back and forth, and knowledge will increase."
It should be apparent to even the most casual of readers that this is the generation in which knowledge has increased to the level necessary to understand the differences between symbols and substance. This is the generation in which many will experience John's eyewitness testimony, to their everlasting regret! This is the Generation of End Times.

"And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven," (Rev. 10:5).

“Lifted up his hand to heaven”: This Greek verb appears often in the technical sense of raising the hand to take an oath or a solemn vow (compare Dan. 12:7; Cf. Matt. 5:33-34). The hand is raised toward heaven because that is where God dwells. The angel is taking an oath.
Lifting the hand signifies taking an oath (Gen.14:22-23). The announcement of the angel is that there will be no more delay in the establishment of the millennial kingdom of Christ.

"And sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer:" (Rev. 10:6).

Time no longer. This literally means "delay no longer" and indicates that the time of the end is rapidly approaching. From the sounding of the seventh angel's trumpet, the world will move relentlessly toward the fulfillment of all the prophecies of the Bible, culminating in the coming of Christ to the earth.
This initiates the last plagues of the Day of the Lord (11:15), indicating that the time the disciples anticipated has come (Matt. 24:3; Acts 1:6). The prayers of the saints will be answered (6:9-11; Matt. 6:10).

"But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets" (Rev. 10:7).

“The mystery”: A Greek term meaning “to shut” or “to close”. In the new Testament, a “mystery” is a truth that God concealed but has revealed through Christ and His apostles (Rom. 16:25). Here the mystery is the final consummation of all things as God destroys sinners and establishes His righteous kingdom on earth.
This is when Jesus reveals Himself to the Christians in heaven. The Bible says that when we get to heaven, we will recognize Him, because we will be like Him.
1 John 3:2 "Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is."
You see this is a mystery to us now. When it is revealed, it will be so simple that we will think, "Why didn't I think of that?" It is not for us to know this right now.
This seventh trumpet means this is the opening to the final judgments. Throughout the New Testament, God spoke in parables so the world would not understand. Just those to whom Jesus would reveal Himself would understand.
“As he hath declared”: This mystery, though not fully revealed, was declared to God’s prophets (compare Amos 3:7).

"And the voice which I heard from heaven spake unto me again, and said, Go [and] take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel which standeth upon the sea and upon the earth" (Rev. 10:.

This is the third reference to the location of the angel who stands on the sea and earth. (Verses 2, 5 and . This emphasizes strongly the unusual authority he has.

"And I went unto the angel, and said unto him, Give me the little book. And he said unto me, Take [it], and eat it up; and it shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey" (Rev.10:9).

John is told to eat the little book, and when he does, it becomes sweet in his mouth (Psm. 119:103; Jer. 15:16), but bitter in his belly. The act of eating represents the understanding and appropriation of prophetic revelation. The message is "sweet" because at last the kingdoms promises are about to be fulfilled. It is bitter because it can only be accomplished through more judgment and tribulation.
This act graphically illustrates taking in God’s Word. John’s physical reactions demonstrate what every believer’s proper response to God’s judgment should be (compare Ezek. 3:1). Sweet anticipation of God’s glory and our victory, and at the same time, the bitterness of seeing God’s wrath poured out on those who reject His Son.
“Make thy belly bitter”: As he truly digests what the seal, trumpet, and vial judgments hold in store for the sinner, John becomes nauseated.
“In thy mouth sweet as honey”: But still God’s final victory and vindication are sweet realities to the believer.
In Ezekiel chapters 2 and 3, we see that physical Israel refused the New Testament and its teaching of Jesus. This sweetness is the beautiful message received, but the bitterness is the disappointment when they refuse the message. This bitterness is the terrible judgment, as well.

"And I took the little book out of the angel's hand, and ate it up; and it was in my mouth sweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter" (Rev. 10:10).

The act of eating the book (scroll), symbolizes the absorbing and assimilating God's Holy Word.
When John consumed the book, the words that were written were sweet as honey (very pleasing).
But for those who would be tormented in hell for the rest of eternity which was about to happen, John then tasted the bitterness. John realized the terrible punishment that was about to be given to unrepentant unbelievers and that caused the sweet taste to turn to bitterness.

"And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings" (Rev. 10:11).

This verse is a key to the chronology of the Book of Revelation. John is told to “prophesy again” concerning (Greek epi, “about” or “concerning”, not “before”), many “peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings”. The seal and trumpet judgments have brought the chronology close to the end of the Tribulation period and to the return of Christ to the earth (compare 11:15). Now John must prophesy through the period a second time, concentrating this time on the major personages and movements of the Tribulation (etc., Satan, the beasts, the harlot or Babylon system). This duplicated prophecy begins in chapter 12 and culminates in the vial (bowl), judgments, the destruction of the beast, and the return of Christ (chapters 16 to 19).
“Prophesy again”: A call for John to warn men about the bitter judgment in the seventh trumpet and the 7 vials.
John is told he is to prophesy again. How could he prophesy any more than to write the book of Revelation (the gospel of John, and the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd books of John). Millions of people have read this prophecy, so John really did follow these instructions from God. The Bible is the most read book in the world.
This verse is a key to the chronology of the Book of Revelation. John is told to prophesy again concerning many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings. The seal and trumpet judgments have brought the chronology close to the end of the Tribulation period and to the return of Christ to the earth (Revelations 11-15).

Not Christ's Formal Possession of the Earth

1. He (Christ) does not actually take possession of the earth until three and one-half years later, when He comes for that purpose, Dan. 7:13-14, 18; Rev. 19:11-21; Zech. 14:1-21.
2. This scene is associated with the expressions “delay should be no longer” and “the kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and His Christ,” Rev. 10:6; 11:15. But neither of these statements refers to God's possession of the earth in the middle of the Week. This seems clear from the fact that if God did take possession of the earth at this time, formally or otherwise, the Devil and the Antichrist could not be here for three and one-half years more. What would be the use of such formal possession, especially if it is connected with”delay should be no longer” and such possession is really delayed three and one-half years more?
3. Christ's presence on earth during the sixth and seventh trumpets can be understood apart from the idea that He takes possession of the earth at this time. He is to do just what this angel (mighty angel) did before John, and it seems clear in this passage that it was not a possession of the earth, but that which had to do with the completion of the mystery of God, which is explained next.
The expression “delay should be no longer” (Rev. 10:6) refers to the immediate fulfillment of “the mystery of God” of the next verse, which reads, according to the literal translation, “But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he is about to sound the trumpet, also should be completed the mystery of God, as he did announce the glad tidings to his bondsmen, the prophets.” The seventh angel sounds in the middle of the Week, Rev. 11:15. It is “days” in duration and includes all of Rev. 11:14-13:18, as we shall see later.

Mystery of God

Now to determine which of these events is the mystery that is to be finished we must keep in mind the following facts:

1. It is to be finished during the days of the seventh trumpet. The word “finished” from the Greek teleo is used in Rev. 11:7;15:1, 8; 17:17; 20:3, 5, 7 and means that which has reached its end.
2. It is indeed glad tidings.
3. It has been proclaimed by the prophets since the world began (Lk. 1:70; Acts 3:21; 2 Pet. 1:21).
4. It has been delayed throughout all the ages, but now “delay should be no longer” in completing it.

The Mystery of God is the Casting out of Satan

1. It is the only event mentioned in the days of the seventh trumpet that really meets the required four facts above. This can readily be seen by noticing the events of the seventh trumpet one by one to see if any of them meet the four facts above. None will do so except the casting out of Satan. Some of them are glad tidings but not one besides this has been delayed by God since the world began as He has declared to all of His prophets.
2. The casting out of Satan will be finished under the seventh trumpet, as is clear from Rev. 12:7-12.
3. The casting out of Satan is indeed glad tidings to all of heaven, and, although it is a temporary woe to the inhabitants of the earth, it will be a permanent blessing after the woe, for that is the only way God's eternal plan can be fully realized, Rev. 12:10-12.
4. The casting out of Satan has been proclaimed by the prophets from the earliest times, beginning in Gen. 3:15 and ending in Rev. 12:7-12. It is one of the themes of the Bible and has been referred to directly many times by the prophets, Isa. 24:21; 25:7; 27:1; etc.
5. The woman, manchild, beasts, ect., have not been delayed for they have not existed throughout all centuries.
6. The triumphant attitude of the angel shows that an enemy is involved in the long delayed mystery of God.
7. The fact that the three woes were to be under the fifth, sixth, and seventh trumpets shows that the casting out of Satan is the reference, Rev. 12:12.
8. This view harmonizes with the announcement that the kingdoms of this world are to become God's, as we shall see later.
When the angel set His feet on the earth and sea and cried with a loud voice seven thunders uttered their voices; i.e., there were seven clear and distinct utterances from heaven. John was about to write what was uttered, when he was told not to do so. What was uttered has not been revealed and all speculation is valueless. They were perhaps of a personal nature to John. The voice was perhaps that of God's Psm. 29; Jhn. 12:29.